seduce

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb seduce differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of seduce are decoy, entice, inveigle, lure, and tempt. While all these words mean "to lead astray from one's true course," seduce implies a leading astray by persuasion or false promises.

seduced by assurances of assistance

In what contexts can decoy take the place of seduce?

While in some cases nearly identical to seduce, decoy implies a luring into entrapment by artifice.

attempting to decoy the enemy into an ambush

When would entice be a good substitute for seduce?

The synonyms entice and seduce are sometimes interchangeable, but entice suggests drawing by artful or adroit means.

advertising designed to entice new customers

When could inveigle be used to replace seduce?

While the synonyms inveigle and seduce are close in meaning, inveigle implies enticing by cajoling or flattering.

fund-raisers inveigling wealthy alumni

When is it sensible to use lure instead of seduce?

The words lure and seduce are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, lure implies a drawing into danger, evil, or difficulty through attracting and deceiving.

lured naive investors with get-rich-quick schemes

Where would tempt be a reasonable alternative to seduce?

In some situations, the words tempt and seduce are roughly equivalent. However, tempt implies the presenting of an attraction so strong that it overcomes the restraints of conscience or better judgment.

tempted by the offer of money

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of seduce His photographs possess an almost effortless elegance—the kind that arises not from a desire to seduce or persuade, but from a quiet clarity of intent. Alessia Glaviano, Vogue, 14 May 2025 Sirens is smartest when paralleling the entitlement of 21st century American wealth with Ancient Greek divinity, skewering the insularity and entitlement of these modern plutocrats who throw galas to honor themselves and to torment or seduce the mortals who are their employees and playthings. Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2025 This would suck capital investment back to America in a nanosecond and financially seduce companies to reshore factories, labs and headquarters back here with bargain-low tax rates. Stephen Moore, Boston Herald, 14 May 2025 Rather than being seduced by the siren song of constant disruption, businesses may want to focus on creating excellence in what already exists. Vikram Joshi, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for seduce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seduce
Verb
  • There was interest from the Saudi Pro League last summer, and clubs may be tempted to try again.
    Jay Harris, New York Times, 29 May 2025
  • Setbacks may tempt you to stray from your vision, but staying true to yourself attracts the right clients, collaborators and opportunities.
    Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 27 May 2025
Verb
  • The company recently ended its incentive program, known as customer commitment packages, to lure and maintain customers on the heels of the incident.
    Samantha Subin, CNBC, 4 June 2025
  • The result is that homes are sitting idle on the market, forcing sellers to offer price cuts to lure in buyers.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 2025
Verb
  • For fifteen years, the Patriotic Millionaires have waged an earnest battle to persuade wealthy people to lobby for higher taxes on themselves.
    Evan Osnos, New Yorker, 26 May 2025
  • But nothing Akasha’s old friend said could persuade Akasha to relinquish his empire.
    Andy Greenberg, Wired News, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • The Navy also has spent considerably more than the others to entice sailors to reenlist, doling out retention bonuses to roughly 70,000 service members for each of the past three years.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 May 2025
  • Duffy recently announced a sweeping program to upgrade the agency's technology infrastructure, as well as hiring incentives to entice more would-be air traffic controllers.
    Zach Wichter, USA Today, 23 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Seduce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seduce. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.

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